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Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Boston, MA

How much does a heavy equipment operator make in Boston? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Boston's cost of living.

Median Salary
$73,680
per year in Boston
Entry Level
$40,651
Starting salary
Senior Level
$104,169
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
158
58% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how heavy equipment operator salaries break down across different pay periods in Boston.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$40,651$73,680$104,169
Monthly$3,388$6,140$8,681
Biweekly$1,564$2,834$4,007
Weekly$782$1,417$2,003
Hourly$20$35$50

Boston vs National Average

How Boston's heavy equipment operator salaries compare to national figures.

Boston Salary
$73,680
COL Index: 158
National Average
$51,170
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$22,510
Higher in Boston

Cost of Living in Boston

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,250
per month
Median Income
$76,321
per year
Population
692,600
residents
Rent % of Income
35.4%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 158 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Boston have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Heavy Equipment Operator

Overview

Operate heavy machinery on construction sites and in manufacturing.

Education

High school diploma; equipment certification required

Key Skills

Equipment OperationSafetySite AwarenessMaintenance

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +13% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary

See Heavy Equipment Operator salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$98,610
+34%
Los Angeles, CA
$93,220
+27%
Chicago, IL
$101,200
+37%
Houston, TX
$50,510
-31%
Phoenix, AZ
$62,210
-16%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Boston, MA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a heavy equipment operator in Boston, MA is $73,680 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 158. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Boston's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level heavy equipment operator professionals in Boston can expect to earn around $40,651 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level heavy equipment operators earning approximately $104,169 per year. This represents a 156% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Boston's cost of living index of 158 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Boston are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $51,170, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a heavy equipment operator's salary in Boston typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,250 per month, housing represents about 36.6% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Heavy Equipment Operators are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 13% over the next decade. In Boston, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.